4 year old settling in

[Trevand123]

My little one has started nursery (attached to a school) in the mornings.

He has always been very confident and the first day there was no issues. The second day he went in, again no issues. But when I picked him up, he burst into tears. He just seemed overwhelmed and so sad - not the confident little boy who started school 2 days ago. The teacher said she had to get quite stern as my little one refused to sit in a circle with the other children.

Since then he has been gripping us and the teachers take him off us screaming. He eventually settles but the when it comes to drop off, it's the same reaction - screaming and tears.

What can I do to help this be less traumatic for my little one. He says he doesn't want to be alone at school (without me or his Daddy). A friend has recommended The Invisible String. Any other suggestions on what I can / should be doing ...

You just have to keep at it. It's quite normal at this age when a child hasn't been in any nursery setting before

Yes, this. Some will probably say to pull him out but personally I'd persevere to get it all out of the way for school.

Going through the same thing with my DD and am going to reduce her hours until it's something she's coping with. They're so very little to be stuck doing something that makes them unhappy every day. I know she'd get used to it, but do we want them to get used to unhappiness at 3 or 4?

Thanks so much everyone. It was v helpful to get a bit of a broader perspective on this
... Sticking with it has definitely seemed to work. And luckily he's only in for a couple of hours in the morning too, so I think we'll be okay (I hope)🤞🏻

I work in pre school (didn't realise til today this topic existed!) As PPs say, stick with it. From your update it looks like you have. The longest I've ever experienced this was about 6 weeks, about 30 mins crying on arrival. Most kids that do this stop within a week or so. We have no cryers in my room now, 3 weeks in, they all seem to settle eventually. It's so hard as a parent, you'd be sick to your stomach all morning but the vast majority stop crying after 5 mins when Mum has left and they get distracted by toys and friends.